Rose Cafe Awards

Rose Cafe Restaurant Review:

Santa Barbara locals have cherished this humble Mexican restaurant since 1947 --- and it’s not all because of the food. The motherly vibe at Rose Café adds a little extra “olé!” to everything that comes to the table; the pico de gallo tastes a little zestier and the margaritas have a little more kick. All the familiar items are available --- tacos, enchiladas, tamales and chile rellenos --- but for something a bit more exotic, try the pata de res (cow hoof soup) or lengua en salsa de tomatillo --- thin, tender slices of beef tongue simmered in a green chile sauce. Homemade chorizo is another menu highlight, and while overall the food may play second fajita to the ambience, it’s still quite good. For dessert, try the house-made flan, a Mexican classic. A second location at 424 E. Haley St. on the Lower East Side is open seven days a week.